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Frequently Asked Questions
Geography & History
How did Mt. Hood get its name?
- On October 29, 1792, Lt. William Broughton, under the command of George Vancouver, identified and named the peak after Lord Samuel Hood, a respected admiral of the British Royal Navy.
How tall is Mt. Hood?
- According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Mt. Hood is 3,426 meters (11,239 feet) tall.
- Mt. Hood is a volcano and last erupted in the 1800s. Learn more about how Mt. Hood's is constantly monitored by geologists here.
Recreation
What recreation sites require a Recreation Pass? What kind of pass do I need and where can I get it?
- Find out about NW Forest Pass, interagency passes, and Sno-Park Passes here.
- DYK? Over 80% of the funds earned from pass sales stay locally to help maintain and repair toilets, parking areas, trash service, picnic tables, and other recreation site features.
Where can I hike and where can I camp?
- Mt. Hood National Forest has about 1,000 miles of trails and many campgrounds. Nearly all campgrounds are by advance reservation through Recreation.gov. Updated trail and campground information is found here.
Are there trails for mountain biking, horseback riding or ATVs/OHVs?
- Yes, each trail has designated user groups that are identified online and at the trailhead. Off highway vehicles (OHV) trail systems information is here. OHVs that are not street legal are prohibited on Forest roads.
Where am I required to possess a Sno-Park permit?
- You must have a valid Sno-Park permit displayed in the windshield of your vehicle if you park in a designated Sno-Parks between November 15 and April 30. Each of these areas are posted with signs idenifying them as a Winter Recreation Area. Find more information and purchase a Sno-Park permit online through the OR Dept. of Transportation. Passes are also sold by several local vendors, but are not avaible for purchase at Sno-Parks, so plan ahead. Sno-Park fees are used for plowing Sno-Park areas and maintaining access.
Can I bring my pet with me?
- Yes, but all dogs must be within sight of the owner and in complete voice control. Developed areas may require leashes. Every year dogs run off unexpectedly from their owner and are sadly permanently lost in the Forest. Avoid the heartache and keep your dog on a leash at all times.
- Cross-country skiers are encouraged to leave their dogs at home. Dogs punch holes in the set tracks with their paws, making the tracks difficult and dangerous to follow.
Other
How can I find a job with the U.S. Forest Service?
- Check out our employment page. We offer a variety of employment opportunities (both paid and unpaid) ranging from student programs to volunteer programs, and full-time employment for men and women with skills in several areas.
